The Iron Harvest Book Launch
Biscuit Publishing's Brian Lister joined writer Diane Wilson at Talbot House (Toc H), in Poperinge, Belgium, for the Belgian launch of The Iron Harvest.
Bertin Deneire, Diane Wilson, Brian Lister (Biscuit Publishing Ltd.)
and Annelies Vermeulen, of Talbot House.
Held in the newly refurbished Concert Hall on Wednesday, 2nd June 2005, the evening attracted staff members from the House and local students of English. Brian was accompanied by his wife Anne, and Diane was accompanied by her husband Mike.
The evening was started with a few words of introduction by Annelies Vermeulen, of Talbot House, who then handed the proceedings to Bertin Deneire, a local teacher of English and guide at Talbot House.
Bertin started by asking Diane to read her prose piece about her first time in Talbot House. Bertin then read a piece from his book A Peace of Flanders, describing his first encounter with the staff at Talbot House when he was about eight years old. He and his friends rang the door bell and ran away, but one day he was caught by the warden. That incident started a long connection with the House.
Bertin then introduced Brian Lister, of Biscuit Publishing, who spoke of his reasons for asking Diane to write The Iron Harvest. Copies of the book were available and all proceeds from the sale of the book at the House go towards its upkeep.
Bertin Deneire and Diane Wilson discuss the poems
Diane was then asked questions by Bertin, her answers giving an insight into her poetry and prose about the First World War, Talbot House and Tubby Clayton, as well as the town of Poperinge. Diane had brought some of her collection of material about Toc H, and this was later examined by the guests.
Diane was then asked to read three of her poems from the book and to explain what prompted the pieces. She read Reserved for Friendship, Muddy Fingers, and Whose Spoon?
Questions from the audience followed, and Bertin concluded by explaining the book was on sale and that Diane would sign copies. As a final reading, Bertin suggested Diane read Returning to Talbot House.
Elsewhere on the internet: The Iron Harvest at Free Spirit Writers, or read an article about the book at www.firstworldwar.com.
